Thiruvananthapuram: The new amendment made to the Kerala Police Act will in no way be used against free speech or impartial journalism, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Sunday.
In the name of the freedom of press, individual freedom cannot be violated and similarly, in the name of individual freedom, the freedom of the press cannot be violated, the CM said in a press release.
“The government is duty bound to protect both. It is in this context that even at the international level measures are being put in place against the infringement of personal dignity. The amendment in the Kerala Police Act are only those that are in tune with such measures,” he added.
Along with ensuring the freedom of press, the Government also has the responsibility of upholding a citizen’s individual freedom and his/her dignity as enshrined in the Constitution, he said.
“The popular idea that one’s freedom ends where the other’s nose begins needs to be respected. One has the liberty to swing one’s fist, but it ends where the other’s nose begins. However, there have been instances of this idea being repeatedly violated,” he added.
The State Government was repeatedly receiving complaints against the wide misuse of social media, especially by certain online channels. Even prominent public and cultural figures had made such complaints.
“They have brought to the notice of the Government instances where inhuman and vile cyber attacks were carried out by some in the guise of journalism and how it even harmed the family lives of many,” he said.
“It has often turned into targeted attacks using untruths and even sleazy content. Many families are bearing the consequences of such attacks,” he added.
